If the Buffalo Sabres want to get into the 2011 edition of the Stanley Cup Playoffs they will need to make a move or two at the NHL Trade Deadline on Monday. Buffalo, who currently sits 3 points out of the the 8th and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, need to make a charge and fast. Granted the Sabres do have two games in hand on the 8th place Carolina Hurricanes, but that means nothing if you cannot win those games.

Buffalo has played very well as of late, even during a brutal 3 game home stretch where the Sabres went 0-3, with losses to Toronto, St. Louis and Washington. Ryan Miller was his usual outstanding self during that stretch allowing only 6 goals in three games (the other goal allowed during that stretch was an empty netter to St. Louis) The Defense played well as well during that period, the offense however was as dormant as can be. Scoring 2 goals in 3 home games is a just cause for some panic. This is where the trouble is in Sabre Land right now. Buffalo needs to go out and acquire at least one offensivly gifted forward to spark this offense. Yes the loss of Derek Roy hurt the Sabres early on in the year but the Sabres didn’t make any moves then to make up for it then and they have to now. It would have cost the Sabres less to make the move a few months ago then it would have now but if they want to have playoff hockey at the HSBC Arena they have to make a deal, one of which they will probably over pay for.

I am not going to speculate on what players could fit the bill, but by looking at some of the non post season contending teams, like the Islanders, Avalanche, Oilers and Senators, there are a few decent “rental players” available for a short term lease. Look for Buffalo to make at least one or two moves on Monday especially if new owner Terry Pegula tells Darcy Regier to make them happen so he can get some playoff revenue from a couple of home games.

Seeing as what has transpired recently in the wake of trade activities in the NHL, it could be a very busy Monday on the trade front on Monday. Sit back and enjoy!